Ducati streetfighter

It might not have the traction control, Ohlins suspension and Marchesini wheels of the more expensive ‘S’, but this base-model Streetfighter, complete with its retuned 1098 superbike engine, is still one hell of a machine and a better value package. Super naked machines like these make more sense on the roads than small, uncomfortable race replicas. The Ducati combines high performance, superb handling and stunning brakes with a comfy riding position and hot-and-cold-running wheelies on tap.

Engine

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The Streetfighter is powered by a liquid-cooled, 1099cc V-twin ‘Testastretta’ motor, putting out a claimed 155bhp and 85ftlb at the rear wheel. The throttle response is flawless and thanks to a low dry weight of 169kg acceleration is scintillating. If you’re feeling strong and can hang on against the windblast the Ducati will hit a genuine 155mph and returning 45mph, the Streetfighter is frugal too. The only thing missing from the package is a slipper clutch, which would make the riding experience even smoother.    

Ride and Handling

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Ride quality is excellent and the handling is good enough for fast road riding or trackday work. There’s enough suspension adjustment for you not to wish you had the Ohlins-equipped bike and the twin Brembo four-piston calipers a 330mm discs are top-notch. It’s comfortable enough to ride across Europe, although the lack of wind protection limits top speed to under the ton, which we reckon is a good thing, anyway. Using a tank bag on long journeys acts as a mini-fairing and keeps a lot of the windblast away.

Equipment

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You get a multi-function dash, operated conveniently by buttons on the switchgear, Brembo radial brakes, fully adjustable Showa suspension and a booming V-twin Ducati superbike engine. The ‘S’ model comes with traction control, which is a nice gimmick but rarely useful on the road. This standard model copes very nicely without it.

Quality and Reliability

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We ran a Streetfighter in our long term fleet in 2009 and it did various trackdays, commuting and touring holidays to Ireland, France, Spain and Ibiza and it never missed a beat. The build quality is outstanding and attention to detail impressive.

Value

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The Streetfighter is far more expensive than its Japanese rivals, like the Kawasaki Z1000, Honda CB1000R and Yamaha FZ-1, but the level of performance, quality and fun-factor is on a higher plane too. It’s pricier than Triumph’s mighty Speed Triple, MCN’s favourite super naked, too, but for Ducati fans it’s worth every penny.

Insurance

Insurance group: 17

Model History

Model introduced in 2009.

Other Versions

Ducati Streetfighter S - comes with Ohlins suspension, Marchesini wheels and traction control.

Specifications

Top speed	155mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Power	155bhp
Torque	85ftlb
Weight	169kg
Seat height	840mm
Fuel capacity	16.5 litres
Average fuel consumption	45mpg
Tank range	163 miles
Insurance group	17

Engine size	1099cc
Engine specification	Liquid-cooled V-twin
Frame	Steel trellis frame
Front suspension adjustment	Fully adjustable
Rear suspension adjustment	Fully adjustable
Front brakes	Brembo four-piston caliper, 2 x 330mm discs
Rear brake	Twin piston caliper, 245mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 17in
Rear tyre size	190/55 17in